The Trio Of Simple Ingredients In A Roy Rogers Drink
You've probably heard of an Arnold Palmer, the classic combination of iced tea and lemonade, but have you heard of a Roy Rogers? If you are looking for a new beverage to try, it may be for you. Sweet, bubbly, and simple to make, a Roy Rogers is a refreshing alternative for those who can't or choose not to drink alcohol. The best part? This historic mocktail requires nothing more than cola, grenadine syrup, and maraschino cherries.
The Roy Rogers beverage was invented in the '40s and is rumored to be a companion mocktail to the Shirley Temple, which is another grenadine-heavy beverage that is a combination of ginger ale, grenadine, and lime juice. The name itself is an artifact of the era — Roy Rogers was a popular American actor and musician at the time and allegedly did not drink alcohol. Given the drink's lack of spirits, the association was easily made.
How to enjoy a Roy Rogers
Making a Roy Rogers can be done in several easy steps. Simply add ice to a glass and then fill it most of the way with your favorite cola — Coca-Cola is the go-to cola in most Roy Rogers recipes. Next, pour in an ounce of grenadine and stir gently to prevent the syrup from sinking to the bottom. Finally, garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry and enjoy.
This mocktail's simple ingredients allow for creative variations as well. Aside from swapping out traditional cola for sugar or caffeine-free options, you can also exchange cola entirely for a soda that is more to your taste, such as Dr Pepper or root beer, or substitute the cherry for a different fruit, like a raspberry or lemon wedge. You can also transform it into a cocktail with the addition of any alcoholic spirit. Some good options for spiking the drink include vodka, rum, and whiskey.